Q.1) Recently, there has been a rise in right-wing politics in several countries of the world. Discuss the factors responsible for this. Also, discuss its implication.

Answer:

Right-wing politics hold that certain social orders and hierarchies are inevitable, natural, normal, or desirable, typically supporting this position on the basis of natural law, economics, or tradition. Mostly, they oppose any new changes in society or culture and want to continue with the status quo, however problematic it may be.

In several countries of the world, right wing parties won huge majorities. The debates on immigration, freedoms are witnessing a backward trend due to this.

Benefits to the local economies: It is estimated that since the barter trade commenced along two routes across the LoC in October 2008 the volume of trade over the decade has crossed ₹6,000 crore.

Employment: Trade has acted as a source of employment for the local traders, for the unemployed and vulnerable youth of the border areas.

Symbolic and political value of cross-LoC trade: Economic integration across the Line of Control remains central to the conflict resolution process. It is considered very important for generating interest from people on both the sides of LoC.

Bottom-up approach to peace-building: Trade has attracted divided families and some former combatants and provided a non-violent and alternative vision for change and conflict transformation

Spin effect: The LoC passes not only through the regions of Jammu and Kashmir but also the Ladakh region. The success of Cross LoC trade in Kashmir region will enable opening of Kargil-Skardu route.

Reason for suspension of cross-LoC trade:

Used by terrorist and separatist: In few cases NIA found that a significant number of trading concerns engaged in LoC trade are being operated by persons closely associated with banned terrorist organizations involved in fuelling terrorism/separatism.

Used for drugs: Cross-LoC trade is also being used as a regular channel of funnelling of drugs such as cocaine, brown sugar and heroin into the Valley, adversely impacting the youth

Under Invoicing and Infiltration of third-party goods: It is being argued that the zero-tariff barter arrangement is being violated through under-invoicing and the exchange of third-party items such as U.S.-origin California almonds.

Illegal weapons and fake currency: Route are allegedly used for supply of arms and fake currency notes to the Valley.

Q.4) What is virtue ethics? What is Aristotle’s theory of virtue?

Answer:

Virtue ethics are normative ethical theories which emphasize virtues of mind and character. Virtue ethicists discuss the nature and definition of virtues and other related problems.

Aristotle’s theory:

Aristotle declared that a virtuous person is someone who has ideal character traits.

These traits derive from natural internal tendencies, but need to be nurtured; however, once established, they will become stable. For example, a virtuous person is someone who is kind across many situations over a lifetime because that is her character and not because she wants to maximize utility or gain favors or simply do her duty.

According to Aristotle, virtues are habits and that the good life is a life of mindless routine.

The golden mean or golden middle way is the desirable middle between two extremes, one of excess and the other of deficiency.